Sportsrageous

Signing Ryan Fitzpatrick still on the table says Jets GM

Ryan Fitzpatrick signing with the New York Jets remains the team’s priority as stated by general manager Mike Maccagnan closing speculations that the Gang Greens have already closed a deal with Washington Redskin’s Robert Griffin III.

The 33-year old quarterback has been in a standstill with the Jets for over two weeks as both sides could not close on a deal as Fitzpatrick wanted a higher pay. The tug-of-war has made a bad impression on Fitzpatrick as other teams shined away from their interest of landing him in their roster.

ESPN reported that the Maccagnan stated that they are looking at a “middle ground” that would be a win-win solution at both ends. It was reported that the Jets offered a $7 million to $8million a year deal for Fitzpatrick but the Gilbert, Arizona native did took the bait and instead demanded the team to double their offer for him to sign, a thing that did not sit well with Maccagnan.

“We like Ryan — we’d like to have Ryan back — but at the end of the day, it’s free agency. You go through it. At some point in time, hopefully, we can find a middle ground we’re both happy with,” Maccagnan said.

With the statement it surely sealed speculations that the Jets are considering on taking in Griffin, who visited the team over the weekend. Maccagnan added that they are still focusing on working something with Fitzpatrick.

“We feel we have a very good situation for Ryan here. He’s a very good fit for us. Our goal eventually is to get Ryan under contract and go forward with that,” Maccagnan stressed.

Fitzpatrick signed a $3.250 million contract with the Jets and going to the next season his base salary is still at $3.250 million and he hopes to earn a double of his contract or opt for free agency. But teams such as Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns have earlier signified their interest with Fitzpatrick but later on withdrew because they could not give in to his demands.

New York Times also reported that Maccagnan described RG3’s visit with the team as “more of a greet and meet” type. Adding that he has never made contact with Griffin since the quarterback’s Pro Day at Baylor.

Maccagnan is optimistic they could work something to get Fitzpatrick to re-sign with them and described they are moving forward, but also would like to see how things will progress in the coming days leading to the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago.